Determined Fitzpatrick earns bronze

Despite a determined effort, defending champion Susan Fitzpatrick had to settle for the bronze medal yesterday at the European Pony Championships in Millstreet, Co Cork, after a closely-fought battle.

The 15-year-old Kilkenny show jumper had picked up a team silver on Friday with Rock Dee Jay and was close to adding a second gold to that won in Italy last year, but was caught out by a single error over six rounds.

Ireland manager Tom Slattery felt there was plenty of reason to celebrate.